Rwanda senior football team, Amavubi will face Senegal in a Fifa international friendly game on May 28 at Amahoro National Stadium in preparation for their Group H Afcon 2017 qualifier against Mozambique set for June 4 in Kigali.

The Amavubi will kick off preparations for the must-win Group H qualifier against Mozambique on May 22 in Kigali.

Rwanda currently sit second in Group H with six points, half way through their target to guarantee qualification with two games left, the last away to Ghana in Accra in September.

Mozambique therefore stand in the way of a step in the right direction for the Amavubi who faltered last month when they lost 1-0 to Mauritius in Belle Vue before earning revenge 5-0 in Kigali.

Speaking to Ferwafa.rw on Thursday, Amavubi head coach Johnathan McKinstry said, “We are pleased that we have managed to secure top quality opposition in the form of Senegal to aid our preparations for our important AFCON qualifier with Mozambique,”

“Currently ranked 4th in Africa, Senegal will arrive in Kigali with an array of talents in their squad, and will present us with a formidable test when we play on May 28th,”

“Given the importance of our game with Mozambique a week later – such a test will help to ensure our players are well prepared both physically and mentally. It will also provide a number of players with the opportunity to prove they should be selected a week later,”
He further added that, “Overall preparations are well in hand, and we look forward to the Amavubi squad coming together again at the end of May,”

The tie against Mozambique, a must-win for the Amavubi who are vying to finish as one of two second-best sides in 11 groups.

Rwanda stunned Mozambique 1-0 in Maputo last June in the Afcon 2017 qualifying opener under Joao Chisanno who was later fired before former national team defender Helder ‘Mano Mano’ Muianga took over but he has since been replaced by former Liverpool and Portugal defender Abel Xavier who took over the reins in January to rescue Mozambique’s campaign.

Meanwhile, Senegal’s Teranga Lions will be in Kigali from May 22 until June 1 for their training camp which is aimed at acclimatization before heading to Bujumbura for their Group K crucial qualifier against Burundi on June 4.

After four wins in as many matches, Senegal tops Group K with 12 points, six points ahead of rivals Burundi.

Coach Aliou Cisse’s charges will comfortably seal their place to AFCON 2017 if they secure a draw against Burundi in their June encounter.

Source: Ferwafa.rw

Bonface Osano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com